Waihi back for seconds in Keep NZ Beautiful awards

Waihi has been selected as a finalist for Most Beautiful Small Town. Photo: Supplied

Waihi is a finalist for the second year in a row for the title of Most Beautiful Small Town in the Keep New Zealand Beautiful Awards.

Narrowly missing out last year to Raglan, Waihi now has a second chance at taking the national title.

The Hauraki District town was selected as a finalist this year as a result of the community’s ongoing effort to keep the town clean and for implementing a waste minimisation plan aimed at reducing waste sent to landfill by 13 per cent by 2020.

The Falls Retreat was also a highlight in the application, because of its Paddock To Plate Educational Visits for school children and gardening workshops.

The panel was also impressed with the Keep Waihi Beautiful Student Committee’s efforts to reduce waste in schools and Hauraki District Mayor John Tregidga’s Worm Farms in Schools initiative.

Mayor Tregidga said the Waihi community’s efforts were outstanding.

“It’s no wonder Waihi has been named finalist again, the focus on town cleanups and dedication to waste minimisation has been fantastic,” says John.

“Congratulations to all those involved, we look forward to the results and hope Waihi can take away the top award this year.”

The Beautiful Awards, run by Keep New Zealand Beautiful, aim to celebrate environmental excellence exemplified by communities, businesses, schools and individuals in New Zealand.

There are six finalists across three location-based categories: Most Beautiful Small Town, Most Beautiful Large Town and Most Beautiful City.

Each finalist needs to demonstrate sustainable and environmentally-conscious behaviours in litter prevention and waste minimisation, community beautification, recycling projects and sustainable tourism.